HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY
COUGAR EXPRESS 

News from the Principal and the PTA
 
SUMMER EDITION #2 - AUGUST 2016


Keep up with the happenings at HCE! 

CLICK HERE for our full calendar of events

The office is still being renovated and we are working from the library. If you visit, be sure to enter through the library gate. 

Sign up for the HCE & HCE weekly electronic newsletter: Cougar Express

August 12
The class assignment cards will be mailed and you can see in Family Access who the teacher will be for 2016-2017. 
August 176:00 pmNew to HCE Parent Orientation
August 1910:30 am 

11:30 am		Meet the Teacher - in the classrooms

PTA Buddy Family event in the Gym
August 22
7:30 am
7:30 am
7:55 am
8:20 am
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Parents can walk students to class
Beginning Bonanza in the Cafe
Volunteer Training in the Library
August 25
8:00
8:15
Volunteer Training
Front Office Volunteer Training
August 26
Summer Reading Forms Due
August 308:00
8:15		Volunteer Training
Room Parents Meeting
August 318:00
8:15
5:30 (tentative
 time) 		Volunteer Training
PTA Chairs Meeting
Boy Scout Rally Night
Sept 2
First Day Packets Due 
Sept 5
Labor Day Holiday
Sept 89:00PTA Executive Board Meeting
Sept 9During Student Lunches
LUNCH WITH HEROES - wear red, white and blue
Sept 155:00-5:45 pm
5:50-6:25
6:30-7:15		K, 1 and 2 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
PTA Meeting in the Cafe
3, 4 and 5 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
Aug 17, New Parent Orientation is a short informative meeting to orient new parents to HCE. This is event for parents, not students. Parents will:  
  • hear a review of school wide procedures
  • meet PTA representatives
  • have a chance to meet our after school program director
  • take a short self-guided tour of the campus
Aug 19, Meet the Teacher is a time for students and their families to: 
  • find their classroom 
  • meet their teacher and classmates
  • tour the school (self-guided)
  • purchase school supplies(new families) and spirit items
The Buddy Family event in the Gym following Meet theTeacher is for all new families to HCE. If you want to have an experienced HCE family as your Buddy Family to help you get acclimated and to answer parent questions, contact sherileighgross@aol.com

PARKING FOR ALL SCHOOL-WIDE EVENTS AT SCHOOL IS DIFFICULT.  IF YOU PARK IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ON THE STREETS, PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK DRIVEWAYS!  BE SURE TO ALLOW TIME FOR FINDING A PARKING PLACE AND THEN WALKING TO SCHOOL. 
GETTING READY FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

Class placement postcards
We will mail the postcards for teacher assignments on August 12.  Also, at that time Skyward Family Access will be open to parents to see who your child's teacher will be. So, if you are out of town you can check there. 

Kindergarten and newly enrolled students may not have class assignments until August 15. We will mail out cards at that time.  For students enrolled after August 10, you will need to call school to find out who your child's teacher will be after August 15. 

First day of school information
Arrival to school is different on this day than all other days.
7:30              All gates open
7:30-7:55     Parents may walk students to class on the first day of school
7:55             Bell rings - school starts!  All parents go to the cafeteria 
                    for Beginning Bonanza 

There is no registration on the first day of school.  

BEGINNING BONANZA     First day @ 7:55 in the cafeteria at HCE
HCE Beginning Bonanza is a don't miss event! 

Sign up for committees, to volunteer and to help in other areas! 

Buy school supplies (new families) and spirit items! Enjoy refreshments and getting acquainted with other HCE parents. Don't miss it!!

Questions?  Deneige Dooley   ddooley4@comcast.net

Next school year when you enter the front doors you will be welcomed at an open window where our receptionist or parent volunteer will greet you. 
There will be two sets of doors leading into the rest of the campus that must be 'buzzed open', depending on where you are going.  If you are just picking up a student or dropping off things, that will happen at the window. We are anxious to see how this looks. Pictures of the progress are posted on our Facebook page. 

Next year the tardy bell will ring at 7:55 am instead of 8:00 am.  
We are doing this as the state of Texas no longer counts the number of days a student must attend school but counts the number of MINUTES a child must attend school. With the addition of two noon dismissal days for professional learning for the staff, Nov 4 and Feb 17, we had to add extra minutes to our year!  

Our up-to-date HCE Student Handbook is posted on our school webpage.  
Also posted there is information about registration and updating information for returning and for new parents.  https://cms.springbranchisd.com/hce/

It's time to complete your ANNUAL VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION. 
You need to do 2 things to complete your annual volunteer registration. 
1.  Register with SBISD at https://volunteer.springbranchisd.com/
2.  View the HCE Volunteer Training video and sign the google form.  Or, attend a training at school the first day or first few weeks of school.  

Video of HCE Volunteer Training:  https://youtu.be/-mJQgpiulSw
NEW CHANGES FOR OUR FACULTY SINCE END OF THE YEAR

As can be expected, we have a few last minute changes to our faculty for next school year.  

Paula Niz, 4th grade LA/SS, has decided to stay home with her new baby and Mary Picket, 5th grade LA/SS, will be moving back to New Jersey to be with her family and, especially, her precious grandbabies. 

Here is Paula Niz's goodbye: 
Hello HCE Family, 

Teaching 4th grade at Hunters Creek this year was amazing and memorable. I have really enjoyed working at HCE, which is why the following news is hard to share.

We have recently added a new member to our family, Maximiliano Niz. This creates a sense of joy and excitement for both my husband and I. Because of our recent endeavor as new parents, I feel it is best for our family, at this time, to stay at home with our son. 

I am so appreciative of the love and support I have received at Hunters Creek from all of the families, faculty and staff. You have been such an incredible blessing to our family. Thank you for your love. 

Blessings to all, 
Paula Niz 

Introducing our new 4th grade LA/SS teacher: 
Hi, my name is Kylie Wallis. I am excited to be teaching 4th grade language arts at Hunters Creek Elementary School this year! I am new to the Houston area and can't wait to become a part of this community.

I grew up in the Texas Hill Country and this is the first city in which I have lived. It is very different from the farm lifestyle I grew up in, where I raised livestock my entire life as the youngest of four siblings. But, I already love the many new things Houston has to offer. I am currently training to run the Chevron Houston Marathon in January. I also love to spend time with my friends and family and explore new places.

I earned my Bachelors degree from Texas State University in San Marcos and this will be my first full year teaching. I am thrilled to be able to start my career and put all of my skills to use at Hunters Creek Elementary. Every child deserves a safe, fun learning environment to learn and grow. I can't wait to build relationships with my students and give them opportunities to expand their mind. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Kylie Wallis

Here is Mary Pickett's goodbye:
Dear HCE faculty, staff, parents, and students,

It is with mixed emotions that I will be leaving HCE ( my family for the past five years) and relocating back to New Jersey. It has been a truly amazing experience and I will never forget any of you. You have all touched my heart with your kindness, generosity, and support.

My family back in New Jersey is growing, two beautiful grandchildren and one more on the way, and my heart is leading me to them. 

This Jersey girl thanks Y'ALL so much for your sweet Southern hospitality.
Peace, love & hugs,
Mary Pickett

Introducing our new 5th grade LA/SS teacher: 
Hi! 
My name is Rawdah (Rhoda) Jazairy and I will be teaching fifth grade ELA this year. This will be my 4th year teaching fifth grade and I am excited to become a part of a wonderful community at Hunters Creek. 

I graduated from the University of Houston and I have experience working in private, public and research in the education field. My personal belief is that all students are unique individuals who thrive when their creativity is quenched and fostered. There is always another way and students should be encouraged to problem solve and at the same time figure out who they are and who they can become within their community.

As for my personal hobbies, I love to write poetry and short stories, read both non-fiction and fiction, cycling, explore new eats within Houston and surrounding, watch short films and documentaries, spend time with my seven-year-old daughter and being with family and friends.
I look forward to a wonderful year far-reaching with imagination and exploration!
STARTING JUNE 6, 2016
FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

Parents of returning HCE students can re-verify their information online AND complete all the 2016-2017 district required forms as well.
  • At the home page go to the Resources section and click on Student Registration
  • From there go to Online Registration Returning Students
  • If you currently have a password to Family Access, please clink on the link.
  • If you do not have access to Family Access, go to for more information about Family Access link and click on Login-Skyward Family Access OR see back of this flier for FAMILY ACCESS instructions.
  • When completing forms, be sure to scroll to the right to see all the fields OR use "full page view" mode located in top right hand corner of screen. You will need to click "full screen mode" each time you move to the next step.
  • Complete all forms for returning students
  • There is no need to print and return any forms.
  • Please contact Janis Causey at 713-251-6005 if there is a parent/guardian change or a change of address for the student.
FAMILY ACCESS is a password-protected site that provides parents access to grades, attendance and other data.
 
To access Family Access, you can go to the Family Access Login page on the district webpage found under the "FOR PARENTS" tab. 

Look for "SKYWARD (FAMILY ACCESS)" and click on it. 

Next, look for Login-Skyward (Family Access) in light blue in the middle of the page and click on it.  The login screen is next. 

Finally you click on "Forgot Password" and Skyward will email you a login name. 

Return to the Family Access login page enter your login and create a password. This should activate the Skyward Family Access site.
 
You must use the email address provided to Hunters Creek for your child. Any questions or problems, please contact Janis Causey at 713-251-6000. 
THANKS TO PTA

Fabulous Hunters Creek Elementary teachers attended a 3 day training this summer called Capturing Kids' Hearts. They spent time together learning to "
how to create high-achieving centers of learning by strengthening students' connectedness to others through enhancing healthy bonds with their teachers and establishing collaborative agreements of acceptable behavior."  This training, provided by The Flippen Group, was generously funded by the HCE PTA.  This is the third summer we have been able to send a group to Capturing Kids' Hearts training and hope to send another group next summer. 

Front Row: Amanda Badrak (3), Laura Jackson (3), Lara Knight (4)
Back Row: Rachel Scott (3), Mitzi Reese (4), Laura Shucosky (2), 
                  Ann Martin (4)
2016-2017  HCE PTA ANNUAL FUND          Are you ALL IN for HCE?  

Show your "Cougar Pride"

Community support is what allows HCE to be an exceptional school with unique programs, terrific teachers, and an innovative curriculum. HCE relies upon the generosity of parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and friends like you to keep our school flourishing.

Without the "Cougar Pride" Annual Fund, our students' experiences would be dramatically different.

Your contribution and our PTA help provide the following:
  • $175,000+ in Teacher Salaries supporting specialists in Reading and Math
  • $35,000+ in Curriculum Support including grade level field trips, in-class technology, staff development, literacy library, and Teacher Basics & Beyond (annual allowance for each teacher for classroom supplies)
  • $25,000+ in Enrichment Programs such as Spelling Bee, DARE, Winds of Time, Reflections art recognition, science enrichment lab, Hands on Science, Science Fair, Space Maker Lab, Book Fair, Talent Show, and class parties
  • $30,000+ in Campus and Community activities such as Lunch with Heroes, Red Ribbon Week, Parent Education, Field Day, Health Fair, Bike Rodeo, Fifth Grade track meet and graduation celebration, Teacher Appreciation luncheons, grounds maintenance, Buddy Family program, Summer Reading, crossing guard officers and Spirit t-shirts for all students
  • $5,000+ in Campus Communication such as directory, newsletter, website and yearbook
  • $20,000+ in Professional Development Teacher Conferences including Rigor, Relevance and Relationships, Capturing Kids Hearts, Creative Mathematics seminars, as well as the Literacy for All conference to bring best practices in education back to our campus!
Your participation is important and every gift, regardless of amount, is vital!

Because of you, HCE continues its proud tradition of inspiring minds and shaping lives!

We strive for 100% parent participation!

CONTRIBUTION LEVELS AND BENEFITS:

ULTIMATE COUGAR - $7,500+
Name printed on Spirit and Family Fair t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session
2 Auction tickets with reserved table and unlimited drinks
Child's appearance as guest anchor on announcements

COUGAR PRIDE - $5,000+
Name printed on Spirit and Family Fair t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session
2 Auction tickets with reserved table 

PAW POWER - $2,500+
Name printed on Spirit t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session

AWESOME HCE - $1,250+
Name printed on Spirit t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory

LOVE OUR SCHOOL - $500+
SUPER SPIRIT - $250+
COUGAR FAN - $100+
FRIEND OF HCE - $50+

A LA CARTE:
(Ads may contain a business logo OR a personal message) 

Directory Ads:
Full-page ad - $250
Half-page ad - $150

Auction Catalog Ads:
(Includes professional photo session - PAY NOW AND CONTACT ANGIE KINSEL: ANGIE.KINSEL@YAHOO.COM or  (512) 919-6336
TO SCHEDULE YOUR IMAGES BY KRISTY PHOTO SESSION THIS SUMMER)
Full-page ad  - $250
Half-page ad - $150

Donations for Teachers:
Auction ticket - $100
Auction t-shirt - $15

Deadline for Directory Ads - September 3rd

Deadline for name printed on Spirit T-Shirt - Sept 9th

Deadline for Auction Catalog Ads - September 15th
 
ALL donors will be recognized in the HCE Directory, Yearbook, Auction catalog, 
Newsletter and Website.

Remember to check with your company for their Corporate Matching Program. 
For questions about the annual fund, please contact Ketti Collins at:
ketticollins@gmail.com or (989) 506-8634


THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY PTA!
PEACHJAR ELECTRONIC FLYER PROGRAM

ELECTRONIC FLYER DELIVERY STARTS AUGUST 1 

SBISD and our school has launched Peachjar, a new electronic flyer communication tool. To view school-approved eflyers, simply click the Peachjar button on our school's website or access Peachjar in the SBISD app. 

Be sure to download the SBISD app for quick access to district information and this electronic flyer program - PEACHJAR.  

You will get email notifications once eflyers are posted and can choose to opt out of email delivery if you prefer. This system is used exclusively for distribution of district- and school-approved flyers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose. 

We are excited about going green and thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure parents are well informed about school programs, activities, and events.
Hunters Creek Elementary | School & PTA | 713-251-6000| Email | Website
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